Bent can still have a future at Aston Villa, insists Lambert

The England
international has endured a difficult start to the new season, having recovered
from the injury which sidelined him for much of last term. Bent has struggled
to find his best form, and has also lost his place in the starting XI following
the appointment of Paul Lambert during the summer.

The
Scottish coach signed Christian Benteke ahead of the new campaign, and the
Belgian international has become first choice striker. This has sparked
speculation that Bent could be offloaded when the window reopens in the New
Year, but Lambert insists he is not seeking buyers for the 28-year-old.

"I'm
not actively looking to sell him," he said. "There isn't an issue, at
least not at my end. It's just back to the injury and I have to look after
another 20 lads. I have to pick a team I think will win. I've always done that.
Everyone has to show their worth. I have no favourites. I judge them as
equals."

Bent, who
has been strongly linked with a move to Queens Park Rangers, remains under
contract at Villa Park until 2015. He has scored two goals in nine Premier
League matches this term, but his determination to win back his place in the
starting line-up has been hindered by an ankle injury of late.